Solar tracking apparatus

Abstract

A solar array support member is pivotally secured to the upper end of a support post for rotation about a horizontal axis. The support post is driven about a vertical axis. A disc is rotatably secured to the post for rotation about a vertical axis spaced from the post's vertical axis. A link member is secured by respective ball and socket assemblies at one end to the support member and to the rotating disc at the other end. A motor and pulley system drive the rotating disc with respect to the vertical post to set the elevation position of the support member. A second motor and pulley system drive the post about its vertical axis with respect to a base.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. In a solar tracking apparatus the combination comprising: a base;   a support member, rotatably secured to the base for rotation about a first vertical axis;   means for rotating said support member about said first vertical axis, said means including a first horizontal pulley secured to the support member, and pulley drive means secured to the base and pulley for rotating the pulley with respect to the base;   a pivot member rotatably secured to said support member for rotation about a horizontal axis;   elevation drive means for rotating said pivot member about said horizontal axis, said elevation drive means including a second horizontal pulley rotatably secured to the first pulley for rotation about a second vertical axis, and means secured to the support member for rotatably driving said second pulley about said second axis; and   a link member pivotally secured to said second pulley at a point spaced from the second vertical axis and to said pivot member at a point spaced from said horizontal axis.